This website is designed to support teachers, instructional coaches, and leadership with all levels of visual arts curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Please use the navigation tools at the top of this page to access needed documents and resources.

Visual arts include the traditional fine arts such as drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture; media arts including film, graphic communications, animation, and emerging technologies; architectural, environmental, and industrial arts such as urban, interior, product, and landscape design; folk arts; and works of art such as ceramics, fibers, jewelry, works in wood, paper, and other materials. –National Art Education Association

The Des Moines Public Schools offer a comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning and mastering the skills in visual arts as a key part of our Educational Philosophy, Vision, Mission, and Student Expectations.

VisionBecoming the model for urban education in the United States.

Mission StatementThe Des Moines Public Schools Exist So That Graduates Possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Be Successful at the Next Stage of Their Lives.